Former All Black says 'England can be really confident' heading into July series
With the Six Nations all wrapped up, attention now shifts to the next slate of men’s international Tests, which for England and the All Blacks is July’s Steinlager Series.
Two of the world’s most storied rugby nations are set to collide for a series in New Zealand for the first time since 2014, and while England will be heading into the series as the first opponents of the new Scott Robertson-led All Blacks, the Kiwis will have the benefit of the Six Nations footage to study.
England finished third in the tournament thanks to a statement win over Ireland as well as victories over Italy and Wales, but while toppling a dominant Irish outfit proved their potential, losses to France and Scotland found some significant cracks in the English armour.
That performance against France in what was essentially a playoff for second place saw England take the lead with five minutes remaining before a 78th-minute penalty from Thomas Ramos stole the win in Lyon.
It was a spectacle, but also another example of where both sides need to improve according to former All Black James Parsons.
“I just thought it was a great game of rugby, went down to the wire obviously, full of attacking flair,” Parsons told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod. “But, it’s the consistency for both teams (that’s the issue).
“Not only week to week, but throughout the game; those peaks and troughs and how long you remain in them is going to be critical.
“But, from an All Blacks point of view as well, I think England can be really confident with the opportunity they have coming down here.
“They seem to be in a good groove attacking-wise but defensively, yes against Ireland they had a little lower percentage, but they held the French to 36 per cent gain-line success. We know when the French go well they’re a 55-60 per cent gain-line team because of their miraculous threats of (Antoine) Dupont and that.”
The last time the two met, New Zealand was enjoying a 19-point lead with 10 minutes remaining when England sparked into life and produced a stunning comeback, ultimately falling just short of snatching victory to leave the game tied as the full-time whistle was blown.
Another scoring outburst was produced against France last weekend, with 21 points scored in the six minutes on either side of halftime. Parson’s co-panellist, Super Rugby champion Bryn Hall said the team’s gemini traits can be expected come July.
“What I’ve seen over the past couple of matches, is they’re going in between two identities with their kicking game,” Hall added. “If they don’t get that momentum, they do go to that contestable game, which I think you do need at the international level. I think you can’t play full tongs for the full 80, you’ve got to have the ability to stunt momentum through your kicking game, kick chase and effort areas, which I think they’re really, really good at.
“I think Marcus Smith coming on very early, he and George Ford interchanging, him being at fullback as well and being able to punch onto the ball flat and getting the ball in his hands in that second pivot role I think is really, really good for England.
“The likes of (Sam) Underhill and (Ben) Earl getting over that advantage line nice and flat, it’s a great DNA for their attacking ability. They’re coming down to New Zealand, you’d like to think they’d like to replicate that attacking ability that they’ve had in the Six Nations.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Fiji deserve to be in the rugby championship, fans love seeing the Fijian national team play, the Fijian Drua is a wonderful idea but the players can still be stolen to play for NZ and AUS…
1 Go to commentsThe first concern for this afternoon are wheather forecast…
1 Go to commentsWhy cant I watch Rugby games please?
1 Go to commentsBeautiful shot from Finau, end of story. Gutted for Shaun Stevenson though.
4 Go to commentsThe Chiefs definitely didn’t win ugly. They had the superior scrum, a dominant lineout, and their defence was excellent once the Waratahs scored their two tries (thanks to some lucky refereeing calls mind you). They put pressure on the Waratahs lineout throughout the game, and the mind boggles as to why the referee did not award a yellow card or a penalty try against the Waratahs for repeated scrum infringements on their own try line before Narawa’s first try. And the Chiefs were slick with their passing and running angles on attack. It was a dominant performance all round, even with many questionable refereeing decisions.
1 Go to commentsWasnt late. Ref 2 assistants andTMO all saw it so who are you to say it was?
4 Go to commentsAre the Brumbies playing the Blues twice in a row?
4 Go to commentsBig difference from the Saders. Forwards really muscled up and laid a solid platform. Scooter brought some steel and I liked the loosie combination. Newell has been rather disappointing this season but stepped up big time - happy also to see Franks dot down. He should do that more often! Reihana had a good game and there seems to be more flair and invention with him in the saddle. McNicoll plays well from the back and is reliable plus inventive when he joins the line. Keep it up chaps!
3 Go to comments🤦♂️🤣 who cares who’s the best . All I know is the All Blacks have the star coach but have few star players now …
31 Go to commentsJe suis sûr que Farrell est impatient de jouer avec Lopez et Machenaud et d’être entraîné par Collazo… 🤭
1 Go to commentsAn on field red (aka a full red) in SRP must surely carry a bigger suspension than a red card given by the bunker as that carries a 20 minute team punishment. Had Damon Murphy abdicated his responsibility as a ref and issued both Drua players a yellow, which would have been upgraded to a 20 minute red by the bunker, that would have killed Australia and New Zealand’s push for the 20 minute red to be trialled globally from July this year.
11 Go to commentsEver so often you all post a Danny Care story that isn’t the announcement that he has finally re-signed for one more, victory tour season at Quins and I’m just like, “well you fooled me again!” My absolute favorite player ever, we need to make his final year at the Stoop (and Twickers) official already. I know he supposedly snubbed France but I won’t feel better until he signs.
1 Go to commentslate hit what late hit it wasn’t at all late and can clearly see he was committed before the tackle
4 Go to commentsChristian Lio -Willies 2 try perfomance was a standout. As was captain Scott Barrett. Up front was where the boys won it.They are a great team and players. Fantastic Crusaders , you can keep going.
3 Go to commentsI don't know how the locals feel about that? I guess if you call yourselves the Worcester Wasps that might be appease. But really we need more teams in the Premiership in my view so they are not padding it out as they are at the moment. It might curtail so many players going abroad as well
5 Go to commentsNZ 😭😭😭is certainly rivaling England for best whingers cup!😭😭😭 !!!
31 Go to commentsYup. New Zealand won 3 out of 10 world cups played. SA 4 out of 8 attempts 30 Vs 50 per cent.🤔🤔
31 Go to commentsShould've done this years ago. Change Saturday kick off times to around 11am. Up and off and back home before 3pm, limit travel time too. Allows players to actually do something else with their Saturday that's family oriented or being rugby fans they could ‘watch’ pro rugby. Increases crowds etc. How can anyone that enjoys grassroots and pro rugby have to choose between the two on Saturdays?
9 Go to commentsI bet he inspired those supporters just as much.
1 Go to commentsBen Smith Springboks living rent free in his head 😊😂
67 Go to comments